Abstract
AIM: This study surveyed faculty ability to care and perception of caring characteristics within school of nursing climate.
BACKGROUND: Caring within schools of nursing is not well understood.
METHOD: A stratified, random, multistage cluster national sample of 2,043 faculty were surveyed using the Caring Ability Inventory and the Caring Characteristics Within the School of Nursing Climate instruments.
RESULTS: No significant differences on the Caring Ability Inventory were identified by school type. Significant differences were noted in faculty perceptions of a caring climate by school type. State universities and community colleges scored lower on the Trust/Teamwork, Support, and Respect subscales and total Caring Characteristics Within the School of Nursing Climate. Community college scores were lower than private, not-for-profit, and state university scores (p < .05) on the Valued subscale.
CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to describe and evaluate the caring climate within schools of nursing and the effectiveness of specific strategies to facilitate caring in the school of nursing climate.